Assessment of the degree of lameness in cows

Abstract

Relevance. The structure of the hoof of cows is a complex biological mechanism consisting of the hoof joint, hoof bone, finger pad, sole, hoof wall, etc. According to V.A. Lukyanovsky (1982), hooves are an additional heart of the animal, since when the hoof hits the ground, the blood actively rises, which allows to create auxiliary pressure in the blood vessels, facilitating the work of the heart muscle. When this system is violated, pathologies of the cardiovascular system often develop. The appearance of foci of the pathological process in different parts of the hoof will not only disrupt the work of the heart, but also cause discomfort, pain, and most importantly — lameness, which will be the driving force in a significant decrease in the productivity of cattle.Methods. Scientists identify three main signs of developing lameness in an animal. The first is the position of the back when walking, normally the back should be smooth and straight, while with the onset of lameness, the animal will carefully rearrange the limb, thereby straining the dorsal muscles, after which a bend in the back will be observed. The second sign is a short step, since with pain syndrome, the animal tries to minimize the load on the diseased limb. The third sign will be the obvious protection of the diseased limb, as a result of which the animal will completely cease to rely on the limb, both when walking and when standing.Results. A systematic approach will allow us to present a mathematical model of a healthy animal and of lame one. Thus, the following pattern can be identified: In order to receive nutrients together with the feed, the cow must reach the feeder, therefore, depending on the degree of lameness, there is a decrease in the consumption of dry matter, up to 15%. Based on this, it can be calculated that with a lack of nutrients and energy, there will be a decrease in milk yield of up to 36%. Which, according to P.I. Nikanorov and I.M. Kasyanov, will lead to a loss of up to 300 kg of milk for the entire lactation period. It was found that in the presence of overgrown and deformed hooves, the daily milk yield of cows is reduced by 5–12%, and with the appearance of cracks in the fragments of the horny capsule — by 19–20%. Also, the birth of a calf is required to obtain milk, and the presence of lameness will negatively affect the production of reproductive hormones, lead to the appearance of “quiet” hunting, which in turn will indirectly lead to a loss of milk productivity.